The Art of the Book

I recently heard a panel of authors and illustrators speak about the collaboration involved in crafting an excellent book. Walter Dean Myers, Christopher Myers, David Saylor and Brian Selznick spoke eloquently and passionately about their art. 

Christopher Myers, an illustrator, said “an artist has to learn to own the text before he can illustrate it.” As an illustrator, he “lets the text wash over him” until he feels he can create something that will add to it, not just reflect it. 

His father, Walter Dean Myers, said a book can take 2.5 years to complete because he cannot publish anything mediocre. “I think of kids I know who read my books and I think about all of the committed librarians... I know I cannot disappoint them.” (This remark got lots of applause.) So he writes and re-writes until what he has on paper is the best. 

Brian Selznick, winner of the Caldecott Medal for The Invention of Hugo Cabret, said the process is not always easy. Where the page turns and what is on the end-papers all have to be decided on. He said it is the book that takes precedence over ego, but admits to occasionally yelling at his editor in frustration. 

Editor/artist/book designer David Saylor agreed. “The text and the art should be seamless, working together to take the reader into it’s world.”  

The end result, Walter said, is a book designed where the story and art leave enough space to let the reader pause and think. “This lets the words live in a reader’s head.” And if a reader can take ownership of what they have read, then his or her knowledge and imagination expands.

Listening to these men speak about the creation of a book makes me want to read more, learn more and work harder to instill that same passion to our students.